Archie Frank Sparham

A Sergeant with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Archie died on 3rd of August 1942 aged 22. 

Archie was born at Lowestoft on 1 May 1920, a son of Henry Charles and Laura Jane Sparham. In 1921 his family lived at 14 Suffolk Road and by 1939 they were living at 31 Windsor Road and Archie was a timber merchant’s clerk. Probate record give Archie’s address as Ferndale, Walmer Road.  

Archie joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve after April 1940. Archie was a Wireless Operator / Air Gunner. In August 1942 he was serving with 58 Squadron. 

On 3 August 1942 Archie was part of the crew of a Whitley VII aircraft, number Z9518, on a transit flight from Saint Eval, Cornwall. The aircraft stalled and spun into the ground while attempting an overshoot at Wick.  

WITH THANKS TO:Malcolm Barrass